B4RN To Access Project Gigabit Funding
March 19th, 2021
Author: Mark Gray
Posted In: Latest news
B4RN is working with national and local government to make sure the best funding is available for our projects, following the announcement of Project Gigabit.
The government’s outlined how £1.25bn of an eventual £5bn pot will be spent, with the aim of delivering gigabit-capable infrastructure to 85% of the country by 2025.
Funding will be made available to eligible ISPs through three main routes:
- Voucher Scheme. The Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme (GBVS) will be relaunched, with an additional £210m in funding available. This replaces the soon-to-close Rural Gigabit Connectivity (RGC) programme.
- Local Suppliers. Local suppliers are able to propose specific procurement areas on a case-by-case basis.
- Regional Suppliers. Suppliers will be appointed through competition. Regional suppliers will deliver across the region, in a phased approach, to areas that aren’t planned to be delivered through local suppliers or the voucher scheme.
Speaking after the announcement, B4RN CEO Michael Lee added: “B4RN will continue to work with DCMS, BDUK and Regional Government to ensure the best funding approach for our communities. In the short term it is clear that the voucher scheme continues to have support and funding and is the best way to deliver gigabit broadband working in partnership with rural communities.”